10 things I wish I knew before working on cruise ships

[@lynneseymour3273]

Listening to this makes me wish I was young again and could actually work on a cruise ship. Unfortuately, that ship has sailed as I am 75. Great presentation.

[@erikandreassen6531]

Careful she is hot but your wife might, not not agree as mine wife would have not have the same feeling 🙂 You tube gives you so much info, you do have to behave yourself just enjoy your time out after all it's a is time out. Me my wife is really precious as she looks after me a lot. Arthritis sucks. I would not swap her for anything. Sigh just me but I do know there are more of us out there.

[@adamosak6864]

Lol, ship has sailed

[@belisarius1]

I know of a lady who retired in a cruise ship. She was in her sixties.

[@samiam619]

@@belisarius1 Do you mean she retired as a Crew Member or?

[@troycurrie7784]

@@samiam619 There are people who actually retire and live on Cruise Ships. The monthly payments are comparable to an upscale assisted living location where food and drink are included in the price.

[@kennethrimestad5045]

I like that she is upbeat and just goes over everything to help you survive and learn to have fun while you work on a cruse ship. I really like listening to her very much.

[@i-love-space390]

Thanks for helping us understand what it is like. I have gone on a cruise ship Pre-Covid and I really wondered how you guys got along. All I know is every crew member made our trip a wonderful experience with great food and entertainment. Every crew member bent over backwards to be helpful, cheerful and generally great. Thanks for your hard work. I hope they pay you enough. :)

[@WILLNEVERCONFORM]

I totally echo your thoughts. Each and every staff member we've met have been awesome. I tip my hat to all of you.

[@Cba409]

You should do some research before you book your cruise rather than just hope you are not supporting a company that exploits its employees.

[@abdulahalameri2556]

@@Cba409you should stop being a snowflake

[@TedJamesLytle790]

I agree! I just had an amazing first experience on a cruise ship. I kept thinking that I hope the crew is as well taken care of by management (at least in benefits and compensation) as I was as a guest.

[@walteralichotajr.3012]

Aloha, To clear some things up, as “crew” who is “embarking” on a cruise ship you have to give over all required documents so the ship can have copies in a personal file, it’s part of IMO, IMC for documentation of each crew member onboard. Try talking to or finding out the people in “Deck” or “Engine” department, a lot of them have been going to sea on other ships than just cruise ships, try and talk to them. Those are the ones who’ll give you a better idea of what’s life is really like being at sea on a ship for periods of time out to sea. This is from a bosun who’s been sailing on ships,( even cruise ships) for 28 years now. Aloha.

[@c182SkylaneRG]

The other "weird" thing about handing over documents such as a passport, is that that's literally one of the things you're taught to look for when trying to identify a Human Trafficking (modern slavery) situation. Situations where employers confiscate important identification and travel documents, effectively trapping employees at their job by preventing them from being able to leave on their own, are taught to be red flags to watch out for. If your coworker/friend was also taught about that, that could be another reason he was so nervous about it.

[@j.p.vanbolhuis8678]

In fact the company will have to show that they have a "statutory obligation" to do so. As written explicitly in my passport: "This passport is the property of the State of XXXX. The bearer of this passport may pass it to a thrid party ONLY if there is a STATUTORY OBLIGATION to do so." This text in my passport has gotten me out of the number of situation where they wanted to take in my passport.

[@paulgerrard9227]

The passport is held by the cruise line on the ship for port entry and other reasons. One major one would be abandoning employment and illegally staying in a foreign port. Different to slavery in many ways. I would not imagine a cruise line will force people to stay working if they want to depart but they will have limits eg to ensure you depart from a port to a flight home

[@williammcdonough6342]

Sounds a lot like going off to college, or joining the military. Lots of unknowns. And no way around them. You've just got to learn to deal with unknowns. But that process -- even more than the specifics of which "going off" experience you're having -- does *so much* for building your character, resilience, confidence, and true independence. Facing the unknown is such an amazing way to catalyze personal growth! Really enjoyed the video!

[@mikegoodwin2386]

Exactly what I thought. Most college (university) freshmen in the US live in the dorm. You show up and meet your room mate who you will share this tiny room with for the next 9 months or so. Some don't get along. Most become great friends. Such is life.

[@dmitriyhorodetskyi8691]

Good one, girl!👍 My biggest concern I had on the first contract was a language. And you are totally right, I survived, I improved and the main thing - all people around me were very friendly and supportive. So working on a ship is not for everyone but if it's yours it's gonna be unforgettable!

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Amazing babe!!

[@marklande3752]

Unforgettable for sure, ups n downs and adventures at sea

[@eldys5919]

@@CruisingAsCrew can I work on the ship if I'm diabetic?

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

@@eldys5919 Testing your blood and getting fresh insulin may be an issue, IDK.

[@karakiprono]

​@@CruisingAsCrewhey I have DM you in your Instagram page but u have not seen my txt

[@ericammons9804]

For a single woman I think it would be really scary. I lived & worked on Cruise Ships for 4 years and it was a fantastic way to see the world inexpensively. I loved meeting smart, beautiful people like you. It was a laugh and so much fun. Working in the shops was the best way to have free time in port. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you’re footloose and fancy free, I say go for it! Carpe diem.

[@roberttg5108]

LOL, “Maybe if I’m lucky the ship will only sink twice in my contract “ best line in the video, great advice.

[@davidrigoni8231]

Yes folks we lost the ship, but don’t worry we have a spare ship at the next port. So just continue in your job as if nothing happened 😂

[@PeteJohnsMusic]

So entraining. Okay, so I’m never going to work on a cruise ship, but I’m fascinated by how it all works.

[@faithwithfruits]

I'm a seafarer with 8 years of experience and I chuckle at every item on your list cause they're so true. The only item I wasn't concerned about is my grasp of English even though it's my 2nd language. Great video, love it.

[@toddkes5890]

Key thing to remember: your English as a second language is far better than nearly any American's second language.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

We’re you a merchant mariner

[@jeffreygunn3530]

I spent a year as a civilian contractor in Kuwait. That was a unique experience. A lot of the same issues, but some different ones. For example, you're flying there, and everyone just flies by themselves. I basically got off the plane in Kuwait and went "Huh...I really hope there's someone here from the company, because I have no earthly idea where I'm going." At least with a cruise ship, it's a big boat with the name on the side.

[@sccrash3938]

Had the same feeling when I landed in Shanghai by myself, as someone who doesn't speak Chinese...

[@einfachnurleo7099]

My experience with a cruise ship was that I'd fly in a day early and that they'd send me an agent who picks me up from the port and brings me to a hotel. Then early in the next morning the same agent would take me to the ship. However for my first contract the agent didn't show up. Also how are you supposed to recognize them? There might be multiple exits and you don't know if they even wait directly at the exit. Not to mention that this was in Spain and the agent didn't speak very good English. I ended up talking to an agent for a different cruise line that then messaged him. However that seemed really unsafe and I wasn't sure of he was actually coming so I also called him and he eventually ended up picking me up.

[@nagomizik9358]

funny.. but so trrue!!😂

[@stashaking-massiah2592]

I'm thinking about starting as there's a huge recruitment drive in my country for Royal Caribbean and this really did help clear up some misconceptions I had. Thanks for the information. I hope it all goes well

[@spencergolda2581]

@@daniellanapier1 I went to recruitment in tnt they set up a medical for me to do can I ask for advice

[@tadejpirc7510]

Its been 2 years. Im curious, did you go? How was it? Are you going again? Im thinking of joining a cruise when im done with school... so thats 3 years

[@liferdog3697]

I spent 33 years in the United States Navy, my sea duty counter is well over 12 years, the last thing I ever want to do in the years I have left on this earth is to set foot on anything that is made out of steel and floats.

[@Tzarlo]

I was in the Navy too. Cruising is different. Unless you just don't like to be on the water (relaxing to me) it's way different. Ships built for war are different than a cruise ship.

[@dwarren7931]

The military has a way taking the fun out of fun activities, like camping, hiking etc. etc. etc….

[@LoveForBluebirds]

I can definitely see how being on a ship can lead to feeling trapped for some people. On the Enchanted Princess, I felt trapped and was so glad to get off after 7 days. My blood pressure definitely reflected the changes.

[@briandsauntr4692]

I had hundreds of room mates on board .We were awakened often with alarms (such as flooding ,fire , battle stations etc. ) .Huge noises when weapons fire ,shock training , and smelly feet .In port fights and drinking and STD's via hookers .I made friends in the navy .Don't worry about a hair dryer or shampoo

[@SeanHendy]

During my 9 years in the Army I trained and worked at at least 10 different places, different countries, different towns and cites, each time. Typically I would get there the day before starting a course, or a new job, and often where you lived was different than where you worked, additionally there's all the normal stuff you need to learn very quickly, like finding your way around, being able to get from one place to the other, and also, the shops, the bank, supermarket, petrol stations, and so on. Often I'd drive around, once, and then pretty much have most of the places down as to where everything was. Sometimes it was just a magical mystery tour. I remember once deciding with a few colleagues that we'd drive the hour or so, from Germany to Holland, to go to the cinema (they used subtitles, so the films were still in English, vs Germany where everything was dubbed into German), and we literally just pointed in the direction of Holland, headed to the city centre, and found a parking place. I add that this was before smart phones, with maps, etc, and GPS wasn't available yet either. Road signs, paper maps, and knowledge. I think I could find my way round pretty well even now, some 15-20 years later, to all those places, notwithstanding that there will have been changes. Fire - well, no I was not a fireman, but one day, in a particular place, I was talking to my boss, when I heard a sound, that seemed out of the ordinary. Basically about 50-60 metres from our front door, an apartment had been set on fire and people were trapped. No training whatsoever, just grabbed a fire extinguisher and headed into a burning blocks of flats, to put the fire out and rescue the people that were trapped. Interesting moment.

[@ashisroy8895]

Very good to let the potential new joiners be aware of the pros n cons of shipping life. Just FYI, myself a Master mariner in Tankers, when i joined had absolutely NOO idea of what i m going into. But later all was good. Anyway nice to c u sharing yr holistic experinece. Just keep doing the best as u can and keep learning everything u come across. U ll find it really rewarding in future. All d best. May God bless you always with fair winds, calm seas and happy n safe sailing days.

[@IsaiahChatman]

I just got hired at Royal Caribbean and I LOVED this video! I'm so excited and I'm going to consult your videos for advice! Subscribed! 😁👍

[@imsam1974]

How's your expierence?

[@yayshin7790]

Do you like it.?

[@tadejpirc7510]

How is it?

[@user-wk1ie2dv9o]

And??

[@josephlashley3166]

I have been going cruising for years. Thank you for doing your job. I have been on most of the ports in the Caribbean. I was supposed to be on Harrmony and it was canceled so we moved to the new carnival ship.

[@AprilShepherd]

Just came back from a cruise. The crew really made it an awesome time for us! You guys are what makes it a great vacation!

[@tonybussey8763]

I was Royal Navy for 8 years and most of those personal fears I could relate to as a young Sailor!

[@victormgv]

US Navy here, I was think the same thing lol

[@yanni2112]

12 years USN! Thank you for your service.

[@batboy555]

USN 12 years. Thanks for the service.

[@keeplifemoving]

Sounds like all my worries when I joined the Marines...and my kids worries when they went away to college. All part of life n growing up.. some don't get this experience, such a blessing

[@TheKnowledgeCrusade]

Your personality is as captivating as your content! Can't get enough of both!

[@eyeTelevision]

My first time on a Princess ship was nerve wracking. We had lots of fun, but at one point one of the power plants caught on fire and we lost power for about 4 hours. I had no idea if this was normal, if we were in danger etc. Turns out they can fix it and move on smoothly

[@TedJamesLytle790]

I came here after taking my first cruise. It was absolutely amazing, but I found myself wondering about the crew. Do they get along? Are they well taken care of and compensated? I asked myself this because as nice as it was to be pampered, that is not really my lifestyle. The blue collar in me was overwhelmed by the amount of dishes left by thousands of guests. I get that it is a great way to see the world, but I hope that the worker bees are not holed up in a hot windowless kitchen bussing endless streams of dishes (my brief experience working in a buffet on weekends in high school). I understand it takes a special personality to work these gigs. You would have to be very independent and outgoing. I just hope that the dishwasher is valued as much as the performing talent. If you are a cruise ship employee, I commend you. If I could relive my younger years, this definitely would be on my bucket list. Great video!

[@CruelNagism]

What do you work on ted

[@daveblackford6097]

Connecticut. I'm also a monolingual English speaker. I feel like I really dropped the ball on myself when I passed up the opportunity to learn Spanish when I was in high school. Today in much of New England we have a significant Spanish speaking population, mostly from Puerto Rico, and the Dominican, so you're not alone.

[@howardgofstein7366]

I took Spanish in HS and I can't speak Spanish. I hated and resented being forced to do that against my will.

[@tedthurgate]

Never too late.

[@tedthurgate]

@@howardgofstein7366 Did you resent being forced to take math or literature or history or... we have to take lots of stuff, though a second language was only required if you wanted to go to college.

[@milesmorris1270]

Take an online language course. Babbel is a great little resource for learning a language, especially Spanish. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way

[@Danrarbc]

I'm probably way too old for this at 37 - but this is a great video that everyone thinking about this as a job should see. It's comforting even though it's probably not for me at this stage anymore.

[@sarahosborne7477]

Your not to old

[@smallcirclemvp5228]

I just got hired and I'm 35

[@betinacrafts]

​@@smallcirclemvp5228well done! Which kind of job did you take? =)

[@RADIUMGLASS]

I know someone who just got in and she's 57

[@lenharding72]

Great video. I have always kinda wondered when some of crew felt on the first day. Many of them are so young. I remember my first job but it didn't sail away in the middle of the day! I loved the comment, "Maybe the ship will only sink twice on my contract!" Safety video can be a little over the top sometimes. Thanks you and all the great crews out there for making cruising such a great place to be.

[@steenar.9698]

Thank you. Starting with pride of America as a housekeep steward. This is going to be interesting

[@nagomizik9358]

Love this way you lay it down.. so sweetly but very direct and sooo realisticly!! I enjoyed the video..Thanks!!

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Is funny how many of these are also concerns I had when I went overseas as a nanny. It was really hard and overwhelming but whilst it didn’t work out, I’m still glad I did it. As for having all the scary stuff drummed into you regarding emergencies, I remember going to my orientation day prior to being a swim teacher. Omg I was so freaked out! Protocols for CPR, code browns, near drownings, fire evacs. I was certain I’d not be able to manage. In ten years I’ve witnessed 2 code browns and had to evac the pool due to power failure once. I also had to be evacced out for being having a migraine and vomiting but that was just totally humiliating and not life threatening…my pride took a beating though with the walk in front of all the parents to get my back and go home early.

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

I get migraines, I sympathize.

[@zoomerboomer6834]

Great presentation!👍 Much of your, and your fellow shipmates, concerns sound not unlike my experiences in the Forces whenever posted to another unit. In the Navy, vessels can be quite large and as crew you're responsible for not only your primary specialty, but also emergency responsibilities, especially firefighting. As far as having to share a berthing space (cabin) with just one shipmate, I couldn't help but chuckle. It sounded like five-star accommodations compared to berthing on a warship. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Cheers!

[@lennyj3300]

I just spent 5 nights on the Scarlet Lady last week and i constantly kept my eye out for you just in case. Never saw ya but i sure was hopeful! I love me some Lucy ❤

[@catme.7]

I was totally culture shocked when I worked in the cruiseship industry. I left after 2 contracts, no regrets.

[@einfachnurleo7099]

What I learned and what was at least somewhat comforting is that at least for my cruise line there were people which were responsible to take the passports with them in case of an emergency (practiced with each drill). You know just so you don't suddenly have 500-1000 people stranded in some faraway country 😅

[@nala3038]

This is a great reminder of the struggles and challenges folks face who don't come from 1st world countries. Working 7 days a week for $2,100/month would be a nightmare for you and me, but for these poor people it is a step up from where they came from.

[@VelynaBags]

Heard of a worker he gets paid 900 €

[@littlebanshee]

Not sure how much you make or the people you know but Many in America make less than that every month!

[@09t3k8]

Is it easy living off a salary like that? Ive been thinking of doing it for the future (not permantly) but i wonder if the pay is enough

[@ogkennyp2393]

Yikes.. we make over 3k a month on ours starting out. U come home with over 20 grand usd when u finish ur contract

[@rodzavibes]

​@@ogkennyp2393😢carnival?

[@catharsis77]

That was fun. You sound like a real fun and down to earth lady! Hang in there and have a great life!

[@42022coop]

Thank you so much for easing the thought it's not the end of the world if you forget something. I'm a mother of 5 and 1 grandson, packing for family trips has been crazy over the years. Even with the last 2 youngest still living with us at home, its still hectic to pack. Thank you for sharing your informative video you are very beautiful and so sweet , I hope your parents are very proud and worried for you. I would be but I've also asked my oldest to go work on one.

[@alfr1]

Medicines, ID, Money, credit cards, Passport is a good idea. Always bring a sweater or jacket, even during Summer, because the weather changes in a day. or if you have uniforms make sure they all fit perfectly BEFORE you go aboard. Phone, phone list, chargers, change of shoes, toothbrush, brush, deodorant.

[@ghostrider88jinetedelfanta31]

Your video reminds me of all the concerns, stresses & hassles of military life, I experienced as a young sailor ⚓️.

[@cruiselifeeric]

I would never work on a cruise ship, but as someone who likes going on them this was an interesting video. Thank you.

[@michaelscott6080]

Los Angeles California - I'm starting on Harmony of the Seas June 12 in the medical unit. Your videos are enjoyable and very informative. Thank you for your service, very much appreciated. You're welcome to come visit Hollywood California and I'll give you a tour.

[@rudrasenshaneramdeen9101]

Congratulations Michael. I was always curious as to what the paramedics wear as a uniform daily. Scrubs? Or ?

[@drRusly]

Congratulation, may I know how long the recruitment proccess in medical unit? I think I don't receive any further email since someone from RCL asking to send them my certificates last month.

[@michaelscott6080]

@@drRusly Hi, I applied February 25th and will be joining June 12th but I could have joined in May. I delayed because I needed to give my current employer 4 to 6 weeks notice as a courtesy. I'm taking a leave of absence for 17 weeks.

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Thank you so much

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Also a big congratulations!

[@chrisjulian6564]

Youre amazing. I laughed so much at your expressiveness...Quite informative and educational. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@tonchie23]

Excellent video Lucy! I'm in the industry for more than 10 years (3 of them in a recruitment agency) and I find this video very informative.

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Ohh what recruitment agency??

[@tonchie23]

@@CruisingAsCrew Kouzon from Macedonia (they have offices in most of the eastern european countries, I worked in the head office).

[@nickl3872]

I want to give it a try so bad

[@sullitopher]

Informative as well as entertaining. Well done and Thank You!

[@pauladecambridge3203]

My English is poor😭 but I could understand everything you said so clearly!!! Thanks for this video

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

As for the cabin mate issue. In the Navy we had 9 to 12 guys in a 20x20 foot room… if we were lucky. Things were not always happy.

[@adriandlobo]

Thank you for the detailed information as my daughter is planning to work on a cruise ship in the near future

[@tlangdon12]

This seems like a really useful and important video from lots of perspectives.

[@mrosenblatt]

When I used to go to ships for more than a week, I would just bring a travel size thing of shampoo and buy new shampoo / conditioner when I got to the ship. Either from crew shop or a local store. It's cheaper to re-purchase those things than pay for overweight bags, and I had higher priorities lol

[@clifbradley]

I worked on superyachts. Even smaller crew and really nerve wracking. Especially if you get a cabin mate that you instantly don't like. The worse is one that doesn't clean up after themselves because they think the stewardess should clean their room. Which doesn't happen ever, but sometimes you get a cabin mate who is just a messy, disgusting person that does disgusting things. The best ships have curtains on the bed. Curtains and maybe a TV or noise canceling headphones. Even worse than that is when 2 shipmates hook up and decide to 'snuggle together' at night. Or your shipmate works late and you work early.

[@rp1645]

Girl you do Excellent videos. As a Princess cruiser. Married on Grand Princess in 1998 It was brand new. Married at SEA by Captain. First thing I did was learn the Ships lay out. It was the biggest in 98. My wife to be was pissed, we where to meet with Purser to go over wedding. But like you pointed out. Emergency happen. I wanted to know my Escape route to Life boat. People don't understand the lower part of the Ships, your areas. You as crew need to learn twice the areas as far as knowledge of Ships lay out. You Rock girl. I would Love to just meet you sometime on a cruise. You are so full of experience. I did dream of what it would be like to work ONE rotation on a cruise ship. I did do 6 years on a 45 foot TUG in US Army. Yes the Army has a lot of small craft.

[@rrocketman]

This young lady knows her stuff 👍

[@jameskirby2471]

To me as American It's hard for me to distinguish if You're Aussie or Brit but see from comments your Aussie and been stuck in USA for 2 1/2 years with pandemic and really bored hearing people speaking with American accent like me so your video is breath of fresh air.

[@markspiers4992]

Incidents as a passenger on cruise ships Edinburgh Castle; This ship was actually used in the Falklands War to ferry troops to the Falklands, lets just say by the time i was on it, it was well travelled. Its air con broke as well as a generator meaning it was very slow. The comedian onboard made a joke, "Don't kill the fly, that's the air conditioning" It also caught fire, ships have a system onboard to 'suck' the oxygen out of a room so the fire dies. Unfortunately on this ship, it sucked the fire into the system and spread it on multiple decks. We had to go with life jackets to the Muster Stations, which is where you go in case of emergency. Waited there and all clear was given an hour later, always remember a crew member covered in black soot and smoke, he probably saved us. I also remember walking up stairs to get food, smelling food and immediately being sick on the stairs due to being so scared. I hid in a ball pit and someone jumped on top of me, making a tooth fly out of my mouth. I ran full pelt into a glass door i did not see. I got stuck in the toilets and had to be rescued by crew. What you need to remember is on a ship, people, crew or other passengers will help you. You are not on your own. If a ship catches fire, the crew don't just get on the life boats and leave you there. When i ran into the door, other passengers helped me with medical assistance till the crew arrived. I think everyone should do a cruise once in their life if they can afford it. I have done around 10 and only had 2 bad ones. The only time you will get sea sick is under very rough seas, such as the Bay of Biscay, that area can *** off. Try and eat regularly, don't try and get through sea sickness on an empty stomach, it does not work! You can also buy bands that create pressure on your wrists that help.

[@liammhodonohue]

For those who speak English as second language - be aware accents change so much. The speaker can be completely unaware of this and make no attempt to standardise their accent. A Liverpool/Glaswegian/Manchester/Somerset "speaker" will be generally understood by any other native of UK. A Philippino might struggle to adapt to their accent until some time has passed. As a language learner, the quiet behaviour you noticed - your crewmate is listening to everything you say. Their quiet does not necessarily mean not understanding. There is inevitable asymmetry in listening vs speaking ability. I sometimes compare myself to a dog, I understand but struggle to reply. In addition to accents, native English speakers can sometimes fail to modify their vernacular. Common phrases that are completely counterintuitive - near miss, for example. Surely that should be near hit? A minefield for any language learner.

[@brassholio]

This. I'm Australian and get annoyed with some of the Brits on board for speaking too quickly in their thick accents and using too much slang around non English speakers. At least make an effort to be understood, you can tell that they don't understand you.

[@im1who84u]

I am retired from the airlines and have traveled all over the world. I've dealt with just about every situation you described here, just not all at once. I've solved them all pretty much the way you suggest. Airline people have a different mentality and are generally more adventurist than the average person that goes to work in a factory every day for twenty years. The job also attracts somewhat "free spirited" people. Some walking on the wild side. In addition I was an active skydiver at the time. Meet a lot of outgoing personalities in that sport also. I am a straight white male. I remember on one occasion a group of us was sent to Minneapolis for training and put up in hotels with double occupancy per hotel room. My "room-mate" had gotten there before me and had already unloaded his things in the room but was out at the time I arrived. I looked at his shoes and they were huge. A few other things in the room suggested he was black. I was hoping he was straight and cool. He was both, thank God. One more story. On a different training trip. This time I knew ahead of time who I was going to be rooming with and our personalities "clashed", but I had the attitude I was going to make it work for the week. Once there I was talking with one of my female co-workers who walked on the "wild side" and was not happy with her room-mate either. We discussed seeing if the two of them would want to switch rooms and room together since they got along so well and she could move in with me for the week. We all agreed and the deal was made. Next story: Woke up one morning at home and just decided whilst I was still in bed that I was going to go to Cancun for three days. Packed a carry on bag and left for the airport. No planning no hotel reservation. Met two female flight attendants on the plane that were also on their days off and traveling to Cancun. They flirted with me a little on the plane and told they were traveling commando. When I got to Cancun I got in a "taxi" and told the driver I didn't have hotel reservations and to just take me to the strip and drop me off and I would look for a place to stay. He was actually able to take me to nice hotel and walked me in and the hotel had an empty room they could rent me and I got fifty percent off with my airline discount! Unloaded in the room and went to the pool/hot tub/beach and who do think I run into? The two flight attendants I met on the plan except this time they were wearing bikinis. Had a great time.

[@southerncross86]

Yep, the unexpected is many times the best

[@someguy9778]

Homophobe

[@im1who84u]

@@someguy9778 What in the world?

[@morganbaldwin4828]

@@im1who84u bro wdym? It’s because you said “I was hoping he was straight and cool” also no one gives af about your experiences as they aren’t really relevant to the video

[@im1who84u]

@@morganbaldwin4828 Hi Morgan, you must be a lot of fun at parties.......... If you get invited.

[@lindafrancis5469]

Love your video! You’re a great teacher. You break it down simply and cover many points of worry.

[@ashleighchamboko8512]

Thank you for answering some of my concerns especially on packing. Love your facial expressions when explaining about constant emergencies. Hilarious 😄

[@marcmeinzer8859]

It needs to be noted that most mariners prefer working on cargo ships. They refer to passengers as “cargo that complains”. Even if you’re not a professional mariner you can still join the Seafarers Union to get trained to start out as a steward’s assistant, janitor in the engine room whose title is “wiper”, or ordinary seaman in the deck gang.

[@majorjackhole4436]

Thanks for this video . I am a medic from St Louis Missouri USA. Your video helped and encouraged me to follow through and apply. I appreciate you ;)

[@Internethugg]

How did it go? Thinking about apply to be a cruise medic.

[@wildbill562]

Try enlisting in the Navy. First night of basic training is pure terror. All you can do is go with the flow and try to survive. When you finally arrive at your ship (billet), you are the only new person. They put me in the boatswain mate's birthing area with all the ghetto blacks. Once lights out happened, they threw my pillow and mattress down the hatch into the reefer deck. Nice....

[@Buglife.352]

Real nice. Typical

[@jeannel7255]

U got this Jay! Ur a great entertainer!!! Just keep ur head held high & move forward. Ur living a dream of many😊

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Thank you Jeanne!

[@AlexisRuiz-mg5hb]

Im cracking up when you said “you wont get an STI cause you’re gonna use contraception but you’re gonna catch a lot of drama”. I thought of STD a d the D for drama. You can put that on a comedy sketch.

[@justinfloyd6867]

Joining Resilient Lady in a few weeks. So excited to join the Virgin family. Thanks for the insightful videos!

[@urban9787]

Great list… most of which I wasn‘t concerned about AT ALL… when boarding the Crown Princess back in 1995… but probably should have been!

[@fastingketocoach]

"Are they messy?" "Do they smell?!? Those would be my most pressing questions too! Fantastic video 😂loved it!

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Thank you so much!

[@1mezion]

I think if someone's really interested in working on a cruise ship and they're able to, before you join take a short cruise, get a general feel of the ship, granted you'll be there as a guest but still.

[@SmilingBoB420]

I worked in an amusement park during spring - fall from 15-19. was some of the best times of my life. i can imagine this is very much like that, accept it's year round, the location is constantly changing, and you live on board. it's like summer camp rolled into work. I have considered working on ships. I'm in IT. i'm not sure what role i would be able to fill, but i could see that being a cool way to explorer the world and meet allot of different folks. surely there is a ton of computer equipment on board that someone has to deal with.

[@skeetersaurus6249]

Sea Sickness isn't what most think it is. It has VERY LITTLE to do with motion, per se (allowing for you not having an inner ear infection that affects your balance)...sea sickness comes from your optical perspective...specifically, when you see TWO HORIZONS at once, moving at different rates. For example, you're on a cruise, you're on the main deck, you're staring out at the ocean on a bright day...watching the horizon as the clouds drift by...but simultaneously, your eyes see that railing (because you are afraid you'll fall overboard, or whatever), or you are scanning the fore deck for someone you know, but your eyes also see the water, the clouds...because that's where your mind wants to be, right? What happens, is your brain becomes disoriented, confused, overloaded...how can you see the ship dive and rise, list side to side...but your feet and legs don't feel the need to compensate your body balance similarly? Your brain is overloaded with basically '2-channels of balance input', and it tires...it gets confused...and just as a fear 'fight-or-flight' response, it goes to your stomach's nerves...you start to get nauseated...you then start worrying about it...which compounds it...and there goes the morning breakfast...oh, great, another input event! To help you with sea sickness, instead of dramamine, remember this...focus ONLY ON ONE HORIZON, try to avert looking at secondary horizon inputs...and you will NOT be as likely to become sick, as a result. Just a little bit of information from someone who's sailed the world a few times...and had friends that were submariners. We compared notes on 'sea sickness' (and re-enlistment bonuses...those VERY LUCKY squids!), and found that the way optical input contributes to overall 'Sea Sickness' is FAR GREATER than most-anything else you could encounter!

[@dmpyron2]

Working on the medical team, I learned Tagalog just to work with the deck crew, who were mostly for Philippines. But it still sucks, but the crew appreciated it.

[@escanordaone9383]

Where u from and what cruise ship did u get into

[@sousageilson4078]

I don't speak English yet, but I watch your videos with subtitles in Portuguese and several other times with subtitles in English, I use your videos as a way of studying and learning for my 1st contract

[@ThatsPety]

Good luck sousa

[@brassholio]

You wrote that in perfect English. Good job.

[@anagomes8920]

Leaving my passport at the crew office when I joined my first contract was very weird I've gotta say!😅 After that it becomes just another routine 🤷‍♀️

[@r2d2326]

Just out of curiosity, and I admit I am a complete cynic. Whats more likely, the company locking up your travel documents for “safety” or for preventing you from deciding this job isnt for you at the second port call and walking off the ship and flying home?

[@konichiwa3744]

Exactly kidnapping with consent

[@brassholio]

It felt weird for the first time for me too. They give it back to you on some ships. When I was on the Diamond Princess we had to have it on us when we docked in Japan and Korea to get through immigration.

[@thinking-laaf]

I fully agree about non-native language skills. I learned both English and German at highschool (native Dutch) and it required living in Germany and later in the US to learn the language. Coming to the US i spoke Queens english, but I totally integrated in a year or so.

[@Indpendent01]

Never been on a cruise ship, but a lot of these concerns are similar to going to sea for the Navy. I must admit though, I did not expect there were upwards of 1000 crew :O

[@kotopiu4694]

im joining Valiant Lady at Barcelona in less than 2 weeks! super super excited!

[@allyoucanexperience]

Can I say that 80% of those concerns are killing me right now 😢 I’ll be joining my first ship in 2 weeks and OMG I’m freaking out 😮 Thanks for this video Lucy, you’ll be missed while I’m gonna be onboard

[@thiagops28]

Me too, I'm actually going to embark tomorrow, I'm as excited as terrified.

[@victoria4844]

I hope you all do enjoy working on the cruise ship!! Blessings!!!

[@allyoucanexperience]

@@Pahrump thanks a lot! I actually lived in another country for almost 5 years and I left my hometown when I was 14 to go study in another city so I’m well “trained” regarding people at home doing the same old stuff. I’m sure it will be a whole new experience and that’ll allow me to grow more both professionally and personally

[@magharibapressll8263]

​@@allyoucanexperience it's have been 4 months since you write this comment, can you tell us your experience ?

[@allyoucanexperience]

@@magharibapressll8263 impossible to describe in one comment… DCL has killed my enthusiasm for working onboard ☹️ I regret not accepting Virgin

[@macflod]

I work on construction vessels, its a little different but i can relate to much of this. Still after years packing right stuff- now i just have my bag permanently packed. Although at end of day there are key items i must have the rest i can buy at a port call most if the time. If we are not due to come into port for a month usually i can buy before i sail, or toiletries i can buy on board normally as they usually have a small bonded store. Anyway saves a lot of stress remembering that.

[@musaqongo4608]

Big fan, all the way from South Africa!

[@iouri404]

I've been lucky enough to be hired by Princess as a videographer several times, during long trips (the first was 60 days and about 25 different destinations) and right now I'm thinking... if every person spoke as clearly as you do, I'd feel as if I were fluent haha Great video, thanks mate !

[@JustTezFilms]

I find it funny that "catching something" was the concern for a lot of people. I'm not expecting anything close to that. Probably just me though😆

[@marklande3752]

Sailed for Princess many years ago, most days it was dirty blues greasing and you were anonymous . Those days when we put on those firefighting turnouts or when we’re operating tenders and wearing the tightie whities with the cap. All of a sudden you were 500% more handsome and full of charisma. Fun times, thanks for the video Lucy, it brought back some memories.

[@deified-1111]

Well done...enjoyable and very accurate . One learns a lot of fun and serious things about life and life at sea while working onboard. Quite interesting, actually.

[@1mezion]

I think being required to hand over all your documents especially your passport can be problematic for many.

[@chefkhomotso6790]

nice one..from Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦 👏

[@emmas1082]

You explain things so well and are hilarious❤️🥰

[@carolyngarrison10]

A video about the dramatic situations you have experienced, would be interesting

[@EmanuelRecemConvertido]

Your words gave me so much hope and strenght. Thank you so much.

[@HulkSmashB]

I can relate to the handing over documents experience for the first time so much. My initial instinct was like don't do it😂

[@countessclaudia2376]

I was working in the bridge department for 3 months and discovered a new restaurant. 3 MONTHS IN.

[@maggiemcfly8220]

Thanks for this video. I'm joining a ship for the first time in the next month or so (no date yet). You helped answer a lot of my questions. Here is another.... What are the general age differences between employees? I imagine most are younger, but are there also older people working on ships? 40's 50's 60's??? Thanks!!!

[@CruisingAsCrew]

You are right, most are between 21-40 but I would say atleast a fifth are over the age of 50.

[@einfachnurleo7099]

Are you on the ship now? What's your experience? Usually the higher the rank the older the person but that doesn't necessarily mean that each high position had to be filled with ab old person. However since you probably don't want to climb into an upper bunk after the age of 40 you'll likely have reached a higher rank with more amenities like a single cabin or you'll have quit. Sometimes older people still try something new but it depends on them really if they are willing to keep up that lifestyle.

[@sabastianglober7653]

About practicing protected sex where can you buy them... Or the cruise ship has a dispenser where members can maybe take them e.g condoms

[@royfernandes7081]

@@sabastianglober7653 there's medical centre on board you will get it there free. Some ships has also got vending machine.

[@BobJohnson-h3k]

I admit this is probably the dumbest comment any listerner could make, but OMG, I could listen to your accent all day. I'm American and find your particular accent so charming and enjoyable. I know - it is probably irrelevant and hopefully not offensive to point out but WOW - LOVE IT. Ok, sorry to interrupt ...... you were saying ..........

[@AcerDyan]

My biggest concern is wifi😂 this video just gave me more of a reason to be concerned about the wifi seen as it wasn’t mentioned 😂

[@ingaagni4678]

Being on cruises for so long, you should have known that there is no such thing as sea sickness but... motion sickness. Another point is that the crew is expected to participate in safety drills, and the new members must learn about vessels and layouts in a considerably short period - practically, as soon as they step onboard. And since nearly all safety crew drills are held when the ship is in port, there is a little thing called In-Port Manning (IPM card) when a selected amount of crew members have to be onboard at all times (including when the ship is in port) to respond to an emergency, if any.

[@asadb1990]

Its pretty much class and race based structure. Officers only have to deal with major critical stuff. Entertainment staff only work when performing. And the rest are constantly working or expected to be ready to work. Feels like a super toxic work culture, when you are not white if im honest.

[@cruisewithpride]

You’re like a angel! I was so worried about things you mentioned. Thank you so much! 💞 (hope to see you on my contract)

[@MickHodd]

Your videos are always amusing and interesting, excellent. Take care ❤️❤️

[@CeliniaGava]

Wonderful video! I always wanted to join a cruise as crew, but I'm far too old now. You would have helped a lot had I done so!

[@edwinfitchett6033]

it's surprising just how many organisations require you to hand over your passport such as councils, solicitors etc. you have to trust that they will return them

[@vincereynolds6092]

This is great, and very informative. Wish I had this information back when I was joining my first ship. Keep up the excellent work!

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Thanks Vince!

[@calebbai1149]

That's why it's better to get a course like General Purpose Rating 2 (Deck and Engine) for Seafarers to make your life easier.

[@nataliamontoya7396]

I'm ready to go on my first contract in 2 week... I'm soooooooo nervous and have the same worries that u had... Thank you so much for this 💞

[@carolesrepublic]

You’d do just fine ❤️

[@jojobobo7715]

How was your experience ？

[@corinnecampos8299]

I'm doing my first as well.. it's so nerve wracking ughh

[@Reed-2big]

This sounds like going away to school! The difference being that the start and stop dates are pretty much the same.